July 31, 2008 — Potter Peggy Seiwert announced this week that, after 24 years, she is closing her Kilnworks Pottery & Art Gallery on August 10, and taking what she calls "a sabbatical."
Seiwert is one of the island's most venerable and well-known artists. Her influence will be felt around the art community for years to come. She says, offhand, that she has taught pottery to "at least 300 students."
She founded the Kilnworks Pottery in 1984 at Tillett Gardens with the encouragement of the late Jim Tillett and Berth Gotterup, potter and teacher. As the studio grew, she moved to larger quarters near Point Pleasant Resort in 1991, where she added an art gallery to her enterprise, where she has displayed work by artist Diane Kreiner and sculptor Page Winter exclusively. Along with making pottery and displaying local artists, Seiwert taught pottery techniques for years. It was her love.
"Teaching has always been a great joy for me," she says. "I originally came to St. Thomas as a Montessori teacher where I taught for several years before starting the Kilnworks."
She says, "My intention is to see these activities continue at my location, with other owners in charge."
She says her pottery will remain available at several gift shops on St. Thomas and St. John. She also extends thanks to her customers over the years.
"I encourage you to stop by before Aug. 9," she says.
The Kilnworks is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday until the close of business on Aug. 9. Call 775-3979 for more information.
